Nominate an older Ohioan

Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame to be named

COLUMBUS — Each year, the Ohio Department of Aging inducts deserving older Ohioans into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame to honor the vital roles elders play in their communities, state and nation, while also promoting the benefits of active, productive and purposeful living throughout the lifespan.

Individuals and organizations interested in nominating a neighbor, colleague, family member or friend to be inducted to the 2016 Hall of Fame may visit www.aging.ohio.gov/news/halloffame/ for more information, to submit a nomination or download the nomination form.

“Respected gerontologist Barry Barkan defines an elder as someone ‘who is still growing, still a learner, still with potential and whose life continues to have within it promise for and connection to the future,’” said Bonnie K. Burman, Sc.D., director of the department. “At the Department of Aging, we believe this is part of the the secret to living ‘Well Beyond 60.’ Our elders deserve our respect and gratitude, and the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame exists to demonstrate how society is stronger because of them.”

Past inductees have included business and industry leaders, advocates, community planners, educators, scientists, health care professionals, volunteers, artists, athletes and more. Nominees are evaluated on the scope and impact of their contributions begun or continued after age 60. In addition to being age 60 and older, nominees must be native-born Ohioans or residents of the state for at least 10 years. Posthumous nominations are accepted.

Induction is held each May as the state and nation celebrate Older Americans Month. Those selected for the Hall of Fame will join more than 400 older Ohioans inducted into the hall since its inception in 1978. While nominations are accepted year round, deadline to submit a nomination for the Class of 2016 is Feb. 15. Learn more, access the nomination form and view past inductees at www.aging.ohio.gov/news/halloffame/.